Ladies and gentlemen, I am a lucky lady. Not only do I get to go to Paris tomorrow and meet up with my twin sister/bestie, I had the chance to attend a party full of Atlanta fashion bloggers tonight and got a free pair of shoes from Sole Society.

The party and free shoes are all thanks to Eboni of The Fashionista Next Door. That’s her with me in the photo below.

You know what’s so great about being around other fashion bloggers? No one gives you a weird look when you whip out your camera and start taking pictures of everything or get super excited over everyone’s outfit.

The party was at Sunny’s Hair and Wig shop, which I’ve been wanting to check out forever. I’m desperate for some clip-in extensions so I can have long hair again – whenever I feel like it. I got a little too distracted tonight by the good company, free wine and gorgeous shoes to really take a good look at the extensions, so I’ll be back after my trip.

Just want to do a quick shout out to all the amazing ladies I met tonight – and will be adding them to our blogroll once I find some place with wi-fi in Paris:

Lily Kai, Fashion Without Guilt, Makeup By Ren, Imperfect Concepts, Oh! Nikka, Curls Coils and Kinks, Charee Lenee, and Shandart Productions.

Speaking of local bloggers, Erica of Erica + Rice, asked me to spread the word about a great holiday donation program her high school is hosting:

Erica made the poster herself and she’s only in high school!

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Dearest Larbar,

I get to see you in 24 hours!!! I missed you more than ever tonight at the blogger get together and can’t wait to tell you all about it. I’m so buzzed that I’m supposed to wake up in 5 hours and don’t even feel sleepy! Although I also feel a little loopy and might have multiple spelling/grammatical errors on this post. Please feel free to edit while I’m flying over the Atlantic tomorrow.

See you in Paris!

love, cath

So the best place to get natural light in our flat is by the bay window. That also happens to be the coldest spot in our flat. The glass acts less like a barrier to cold weather and more like a conduit (“See these cute cracks, wind? Just sneak through here!” Damn you, window). It was roughly 3°C (that’s about 37 °F), so I would guess our bay window area is about 4°C with wind gusts of 10 mph. Hence the lovely I’m-so-freakin’-cold pose:

Another classic pose (“Matt, I swear I can actually see the wind whistling through the window frame”), but I had to include it because it shows the actual gorgeous color of this paisley shirt jacket I picked up at vintage clothing store Armstrongs the other day.

Jacket from Armstrongs • H&M turtleneck • Next pink trousers • Frye boots • thrifted leather bag (Finders Keepers, Atlanta) • necklace from Snoozer Loser

Isn’t that a lovely use of paisley? I think someone hand made this shirt/jacket because there isn’t a label and certain bits look hand-stitched.

I added my Eugenia Kim hat and snood before piling on my jacket and coat (four layers!):

Below is an outfit photo of my kitchen chair. S/he decided to wear my other Armstrongs purchase: a floral printed shirt. I personally wouldn’t wear it open like that, and I would pair it with skinnies instead of a beige pillow, and put my hair in a top knot. To each their own, Chair.

Oh and look at our lovely prezie last weekend. More snow! Snow, I love. Wind, screw you! As I type this the wind is attempting to batter down my kitchen window and is succeeding in giving me palpitations.

Sorry AsianCajuns has been so Lar heavy this week. Cath has been wrapping up a hectic week at work and getting ready to come visit us – yipppeeee! I promise we’ll have more Cath posts post-Paris!

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Kitcath!!!!! Pastries together in Paris in just THREE days. THREEEEE!!!

Here’s another postie to get you into the holiday spirit via Edinburgh! The public lights are especially beautiful — my photos don’t do them justice:

(Below) Isn’t this so cheery? You can grab a piece of pizza, hop on a stationary, vintage, double-decker and gaze at the castle in the distance (can you see it under the lights — it’s silhouetted against the dusky sky):

And I love looking into the shop windows. Most of the stores would make mincemeat of the contents of my wallet (ewww), so I make do with pressing my nose to the glass and taking covert pictures:

I love this combo of minty green, white and gold. I’m soooo stealing that for my decor next year — I even have the white owl already from this year’s loot. Christmas score!

And now this is most impressive. We still have occupiers in Edinburgh! It has been incredibly windy (up to 90 mph wind gusts) and snowy and rainy, and our occupiers are still here! They have an informative and frequently-updated website if you want to read more about the them.

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Dear Kitcath,

FOUR more days. Matt and I just figured out the perfect distribution of blankets between our two sleeping areas to keep us all warm and snug in our flat. Your room does have the drafty chimney, but it has lots of twinkly fairy lights to compensate for that.

FOUR!!!!

xoxoxo,

Larbar

Here’s an actual outfit on this here lifestyle-used-to-be-more-fashiony blog! A nice way to ease into a busy holiday week… talking about scarves and Ab Fab!

About the Outfit
Most of this outfit is Madewell. There are times when I’ve walked into a Madewell store (in the states) and have been a bit disappointed with the $100 thin acrylic sweaters they have, but generally their clothes are really made (fairly) well.

For instance these skinnies are my favorite pair of jeans ever: they hold their shape and their color even after a year and half of lots of use and washing. The jacket isn’t thick, but it keeps out the wind — Scottish wind! And now this wool scarf — my most recent purchase. It also looks thin, but because it’s made of wool, it keeps my neck uber warm — and the colors are gorgeous. The green version of the scarf is currently on sale at Shopbop, but I think this red/gray version is sold out.

Jacket, scarf and skinnies are Madewell • St. James shirt • Frye boots

About Ab Fab
Do you guys remember me mentioning The Lady magazine in this post? Well, I did a little happy dance in the Tesco magazine aisle when I saw these ladies gracing the cover. Apparently Ab Fab is coming back this holiday season with three new episodes!!! Eeeek! So exciting!

Cath and I started watching Ab Fab with our mom on PBS way back in the day. I know the show never really took off in the States and I always found that kind of disappointing. Anybody else an Ab Fab fan out there?

Happy Monday, Sweetie Darling(s)! I hope this week treats you well and isn’t too holiday-hectic.

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Dear Kitcath,

See what I did? I brought back Ab Fab for you, just in time for your visit!!! I know the first show airs on Christmas Day – yipppeee!

I wanted to show you where Matt and I are shopping — it’s even cheaper (and greener) than going to Asda:

Do you like my Brussels sprout bouquet?

FIVE more days until PAREEEE!!!!

xoxoxox,

Larbar

I like to consider myself an armchair art historian. Art history was my major in undergrad and I love museums. Museum’s are my Tiffany’s (lucky for Matt that the art isn’t for sale): “If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!”*

So I was ecstatic to find out that the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which had been closed for extensive renovations for two and a half years, had just reopened this past week! (I spent a summer as an intern at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. during the six years that it was closed for renovations and always felt kind of cheated).

I love the building. I’m usually not a big fan of neo-Gothic, but I feel like I’m entering Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey or Toleigh Towers) when I walk through the doors.

It’s a small space for a national gallery, but I think that makes for a nice change. You certainly don’t have a chance to get art fatigue or be overwhelmed, and it gives you time to enjoy all the historic, tartan-clad peoples. Here are a few of my favorites:

So, not all are tartan-clad. I call this one Mr. Fancy Pants/Trousers (studious art historian that I am). His actual name is James Hamilton (painted by Daniel Mytens in 1629). Just look at James’ heels (and spurs!). Chanel boots have nothing on his footwear. I think I’m quite fond of the 17th century just based on this portrait. Men could wear high-heeled slouchy boots and silver lamé. My kind of look for sure.

Here’s another nice looking man… and, in the inset, what he looks like dressed as a lady:

This is Prince Charles Edward Stuart (aka Bonnie Prince Charlie). In order to avoid his captors (one of many such daring-dos), he dressed as Flora MacDonald’s maid. Very convincing don’t you think? In fact, I don’t even think he needed the dress. (Flora is below):

I like Flora’s more feminine version of plaid: give it some bows, ruffles and balloon sleeves with arm slits. Lovely! Why should the menfolk have all the sartorial fun?

For those of you less fond of tartan, how about some more contemporary Scots, such as John Smith:

Don’t you just love his glasses? Mr. Smith led the Labour Party in the 90s — which of course I knew without reading the sign next to his head.

Sometimes the portraits come to life and join in a parade outside the gallery  (for the opening weekend festivities):

And here is one parting image of the lobby all dressed up for Christmas. Lovely, isn’t it?

Thanks for all the kind words on my Christmas decor, lovelies! I hope you have a fabuloso weekend!

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Dear Kitcath,

I wasn’t sure if you guys will be so overly-museumed after Paris, so we might not make it to the NPG. Did you remember I tried to get a job here when we were studying abroad in Edinburgh? Apparently I have a thing for portraits in general: talking about them and drawing them.

EIGHT more days! Yippeeeeee!!!!

Love,

Lar

*Holly Golightly

I am sooo excited. I get to see Cath (and my parents and Troy!) in just nine (NINE!) days! Woohoo!

I’m not sure if we’ve told you, but we’re all meeting in Paris for about a week, and then they are all coming here to Edinburgh for Christmas!

I’m poorer than poor at the moment because of all the costs for the upcoming Paris hootenanny, but I wanted the flat to look and feel Christmasy for everyone. So I had to use a bit of ingenuity and creative muscle, but I pulled off some Christmas decor for £22 ($35) including a tree (it’s teeny, ’tis true). Some of the items I got free courtesy of my oh-so-generous mother who sent a box full of goodies. She bought me twin versions of what she used in her house (you can see them in this post).

As you can see, I went for a rather masculine look this year: pink, sparkles, white glitter blubs (can’t get anything less practical than glitter baubles!). Really I “blame” it on our fireplace covering. How are you supposed to decorate with a light gray, light pink, and gold tiled fireplace?

This tree stated “2 ft.” on the packaging, but I think after years of following the metric system they confused 2 feet for something else: 20 centimeters perhaps?

Oh and look! I decorated outside for you guys too:

Edinburgh looks even more gorgeous with a dusting of snow. I’m all for it, Edi, but you have to promise to not make it impossible for my family to get here. I’ll stop complaining about your windy, wintry ways if you promise not to ice too much. Deal?

I hope your holiday season isn’t too busy, everyone! I know Cath is uber busy and stressed leading up to her departure to Paris. We’ll have to make sure to de-stress with copious amounts of butter and chocolate.

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Dear Kitcath,

Here is Peckham’s storefront, so you and Troy can take a gander at what sorts of beer they carry:

Matt tried the one on the top left: beet red it was!

I can’t wait until we can go beer hunting together (well, beer hunting and charity shopping — good combo, I think). Now as for American football, that might be trickier to find. How does Troy feeling about curling?

9 DAYS!!!!!!

LOVE,

Larbar

Our lovely friend (and talented jeweler) June Shin put this on our radar. This week visit this auction site, place a bid, and not only might you get a gorgeous piece of art, you’ll also get to donate 100% of the proceeds to a charity. Best way to holiday shop ever! Let us know if you guys get anything. Here’s the link to their site:

artistcharityauction.blogspot.com

I’m trying really hard not too get too excited about my upcoming trip until I’m done with my final exam next Monday, but I can feel the excitement bubbling up. I also can’t help but get excited this time of year. I love the whole hype that comes with the holidays – even the dreaded gift giving/buying part. I blame my giddiness on my mom. She knows how to do Christmas decor right and would decorate our house top to bottom every year.

She’s toned down the decor a bit since Lar and I have moved out, but she still does makes the house look amazing every year. Here’s just a taste of some of our mom’s holiday decor this year:

See what I mean about her decorating skills? Who wouldn’t love the holidays with a mom like that?!

I spent the weekend finishing a paper, making holiday gifts and going on the Decatur Candlelight Home Tour – it was no Edinburgh Castle tour, but it was fun! And of course Troy and I stopped by Ale Yeah for some beer on Sunday, because, you know, we can.

Outfit details: Sweater from Lila in Inman Park, Alternative tank, Blank cords, Mango boots and Asos purse.

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Dear Larbar,

I love seeing photos of you at the Castle! I definitely visited it when we were studying there, but I can’t remember if we went together. I love the little chapel that’s there – the oldest building in the city. It’s so cool to step out from the chapel and see the whole city.

Only a week and a half left!

love, cath

Want to come on a touristy adventure with me? How about a trip to Edinburgh’s centerpiece, the Castle! Isn’t it loverly? It looks exactly how you imagine castles to look in fairy tales. There isn’t a moat (at one time there was a loch), but it sits up on a tall mound. Squint hard enough and you can almost see legions of shiny knights (or maybe that’s just more tourists?) cantering on horseback up to the gates.

The castle walls enclose a number of large and small stone buildings: a chapel, a war memorial, regimental museums, old prison cells, the old great hall, etc. It’s more like a little village, some of it dating back to 600 AD.

Here’s the view looking down from the Castle rock to Leith and the Firth of Forth to the north of the city:

Here’s a nice little cozy nook in the great hall:

My favorite bit is the reconstructed prison cells. They didn’t look as horrible and dungeon-like as you would think, and war prisoners were fed pretty well (the table shows weekly rations of bread, cheese, ale, and beef):

The prisoners dressed quite well, quite dapper in fact:

Here’s the view from the front of the castle look down the Royal Mile (Old Town’s main street). Follow it down to the bottom of the hill and you’ll run right into Parliament and the Royal Palace. I LOVE the Palace even more than this lovely castle. The Palace has Mary Queen of Scots intrigue and a gorgeous canopy bed, so that’s more my speed. But I still enjoy taking a stroll around the more masculine castle whenever I can (especially when the tickets are free as they are for St. Andrew’s Day).

As you can see in the photo above, Edinburgh is incredibly tourist-friendly even during the Scottish winter! Get on a plane, already! I’ll take you to the Palace when you get here!

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Dear Kitcath,

Did we even go to the castle when we were students? It might have been less pricey for us because of the Historic Scotland passes. I definitely remember the palace more vividly but again that’s probably due to the whole gorgeous interiors thing it has going on.

I can’t wait! Do you realize we have 2 weeks today until we’ll be in Paris together?!! Yippppeeee!!!

Good luck on your paper this weekend! Hope we can skype tomorrow!

LOVE you,

Larbar

In the states we have Salvation Army and Good Will. The UK has Oxfam, Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation, Red Cross, Save the Children, Cancer Lung Research, Barnardos. . .

Our neighborhood (and many others in Edinburgh) are swarming with charity shops — it’s wonderful! When I first moved here, I imagined that charity shops were full of beautiful old tea sets, silk scarves, and gorgeous vintage clothes for a couple of pounds. It’s not quite that charming. Most of the clothes are just a few years old from Marks and Sparks or H&M, and the tea sets are from the 1980s, not the 1880s, but they are still such wonderful places to shop.

For instance, that sweater I’m wearing in the top photo is lovely and soft angora that I got for £3 ($4.75-ish). Nice, eh? The novel is also from a charity shop for just £1 ($1.65-ish). Cheaper than most used book stores I’ve been to.

We’ve also bought quite a few baskets for about 10p (15 cents) each — much cheaper than the mecca-of-cheap Ikea! One basket houses our keys and is protected by Matt’s tweed hats:

The other holds our onions, watched over by Jamie Oliver (recipe book also found in a charity shop):

Once in a while you find the odd little gem, like this illustrated book from the 1950s about the British countryside:

The illustrations are a little strange (adds to the charm, right?) but I hope Graham W. Reid enjoyed them in 1949-50. Well done, Graham:

Shopping at these charity shops kind of makes up for our shame at going to Asda/Walmart on a weekly basis, right?

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Dearest Kitcath,

I was trying to remember and I don’t think we went to the charity shops that often when we lived here 8 years ago. I know you lived right by all those ones on S. Clerk street, but I think we would only pop in once and a while. I can’t think of a single thing I have from them, in fact! I feel kind of shame-faced that I always trotted down to Armstrongs or just the high street shops. We’ll definitely go to the ones by my flat when you are here in a few weeks!

I’m so glad you can buy alcohol on Sundays now. I always thought it strange we couldn’t. I still need to make sure we have our fridge stocked for you and Troy when you guys get here!

LOVES,

Larbar